Christian Aid (CA) is a UK-based international NGO partnering with others to end poverty in Africa. At the heart of this vision is the transformation of the lives of people who live in poverty, empowering them to have a brighter future. Christian Aid works in more than 30 countries and has been operating in Nigeria since 2003. The Nigeria Country programme focuses on Community Health and HIV, Accountable Governance including humanitarian response and Gender.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Youth Advisor (Intern)
Locations: Abuja and Ogun with travel to other SEPTP implementation locations Duration: 1 year, subject to satisfactory performance and programme needs Report to: Senior Communications Specialist
Programme Background
The Sustainable Entrepreneurship-Led Poultry Transformation Programme (SEPTP) is led by Christian Aid with consortium partners to support financially disadvantaged young people aged 18 to 35 years to access skills, finance, insurance, productive inputs, technology, mentorship and markets within Nigeria's poultry value chain.
The programme prioritizes young women, persons with disabilities, refugees and displaced persons across Adamawa, Delta, Enugu, Kano, Ogun and Plateau states and the Federal Capital Territory.
SEPTP is recruiting two Youth Advisors to ensure that young people's realities, ideas and priorities consistently shape programme decisions.
The Advisors will work across all programme components and serve as a practical bridge between participants, programme teams, consortium partners and decision makers.
Purpose of the Role
The Youth Advisors will strengthen meaningful youth inclusion and advise SEPTP on the implementation, delivery, monitoring and adaptation of youth-centred programming.
They will help ensure that young people are not only reached as participants but are listened to, involved in decisions and supported to influence solutions affecting their enterprises and livelihoods.
Key Responsibilities
Support in SEPTP implementation, recommending improvements that reflect young people's needs and enterprise aspirations.
Facilitate consultations and strengthen relationships with youth groups, institutions and enterprises to support meaningful participation and youth-led solutions.
Work with programme teams to identify and address barriers affecting young women, persons with disabilities, displaced persons and other underrepresented youth.
Support safe, accessible engagement, promote participant rights and approved feedback channels, and refer protection concerns through established procedures.
Work with the MEAL team to gather and interpret youth feedback, document lessons and inform programme planning, risk management and adaptation.
Support the ethical documentation of youth stories, prepare concise updates and present youth perspectives and recommendations to programme management and consortium partners.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Must be a young person aged 18 to 35 at the time of application.
A Bachelor's Degree, Higher National Diploma or equivalent qualification in development studies, agriculture, agribusiness, social sciences, economics, communications, public policy or a related field. Relevant lived and practical experience will be considered alongside formal education.
Demonstrated readiness to learn and support programme implementation
Experience in engaging diverse young people and facilitating discussions, consultations or participatory activities is an added advantage.
Experience or clear understanding of gender equality, disability inclusion, safeguarding and the realities of displaced or marginalized young people.
Interest in agrifood systems, women and youth empowerment, enterprise development or youth employment.
Ability and willingness to travel to SEPTP implementation locations, subject to approved security and safeguarding arrangements.
Required Skills and Competencies:
Strong listening, facilitation and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to present youth perspectives respectfully to senior stakeholders.
Ability to analyse feedback, identify patterns and turn youth experiences into practical programme recommendations.
Clear written and verbal communication skills in English; ability to communicate in one or more languages.
Good judgement, integrity, confidentiality and commitment to safeguarding and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
Ability to work collaboratively across programme, technical, MEAL, GESI, safeguarding, communications and partner teams.
Basic digital skills, including the use of email, virtual meeting platforms, word processing, spreadsheets and online data or feedback tools.
Initiative, adaptability and the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines with limited supervision.
Working Relationships:
The Youth Advisors will report to the Senior Communications Specialist and work closely with the Livestock Development, GESI, Safeguarding, MEAL, Partnership and Policy Influencing, Finance and state implementation teams.
They will also engage consortium partners, market actors, financial institutions, government stakeholders, youth groups and programme participants to support youth centred policies and programmes.
Safeguarding and Code of Conduct:
The successful candidates must comply with Christian Aid's Code of Conduct, safeguarding. data protection and confidentiality requirements.
Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and any required background checks.
The Youth Advisors must immediately report safeguarding concerns through approved channels and must not independently investigate allegations.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Christian Aid is committed to a fair, transparent and inclusive recruitment process. Qualified young women and candidates from diverse backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, refugees and displaced persons, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Selection will be merit-based, and reasonable accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process and, where required, in the workplace.